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17 Day Polar Bear Photography Expedition
Highlights: Ottawa, Pond Inlet, Land Based Camp
Trip start: Ottawa
Trip end: Ottawa
Trip Available:
14-Apr-2012
Price Range $23,882 pp *
* USD per person based on 2-4 people, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.

National Geographic Adventure Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth '98.33 Client Satisfaction Rating'

Winner National Geographic 'Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth'
2008 & 2009

Trip Summary
Map of Itinerary
Expand [+]

Under the expert guidance of world renowned photographer & our Explorer In Residence Amos Nachoum, learn the secrets to nature & marine photography, as well as have the chance to interact with one of the rarest animals on earth.

Amos’s photos & films have been showcased in National Geographic, Discovery, BBC Wildlife, Time, Life, The New York Times, Condé Nast Traveler & more.

Add your name to the exclusive list of adventurers who have tramped across the tundra at the top of the world. In mid-April, this arctic wildlife photography expedition travels by snowmobile and dog sled with Inuit guides across the magnificent Canadian Arctic. Once the expedition has begun, you will camp out each night at a mobile campsite on the floe ice. A true arctic experience. Lead by seasoned expedition leader and wildlife photographer Amos Nachoum, the goal of this journey: to photograph polar bear families as they emerge from three straight months in their snow den. The mother bear is extremely hungry after her fast, and the cubs are now ready to experience their first ever moments in the sun. Watch the cubs get used to their limbs as they tumble and play on the snow and ice. Soon the family will go to the floe edge where the mother waits patiently for seals to come up for air, hoping to catch a meal. The 18-hour days in April are perfect for spectacular wildlife photography, with long sunrises and sunsets filled with warm, golden light. This is an adventure which will leave you with lasting, unforgettable memories.

Day Activities Hotel
Day 1
Ottawa
  • Ottawa: Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
Fairmont Chateau Laurier (4*) 
Day 2
Ottawa
  • Private - 1/2 d Parliament Buildings, Changing of the Guard & Byward Market (4hrs) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
Fairmont Chateau Laurier (4*) 
Day 3
Pond Inlet
  • Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
  • Flight from Ottawa to Pond Inlet (Not Included)
  • About the Team Leader
  • Pond Inlet: Expedition Briefing & Preparation
  • Dinner (included)
Sauniq Hotel  (B,L,D)
Day 4
Land Based Camp
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Photo Hunting
  • Lunch (included)
  • Dinner (included)
Land-Based Expedition Camp, (BLD) 
Day 5
Land Based Camp
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Bear Tracks
  • Lunch (included)
  • Dinner (included)
Land-Based Expedition Camp, (BLD) 
Day 6
Land Based Camp
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Mother and her Cubs
  • Lunch (included)
  • Dinner (included)
Land-Based Expedition Camp, (BLD) 
Day 7
Land Based Camp
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Sunrise and Sunset
  • Lunch (included)
  • Dinner (included)
Land-Based Expedition Camp, (BLD) 
Day 8
Land Based Camp
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Hungry Bears
  • Lunch (included)
  • Dinner (included)
Land-Based Expedition Camp, (BLD) 
Day 9
Land Based Camp
  • Breakfast (included)
  • More than just Bears
  • Lunch (included)
  • Dinner (included)
Land-Based Expedition Camp, (BLD) 
Day 10
Land Based Camp
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Inuit Hunters
  • Lunch (included)
  • Dinner (included)
Land-Based Expedition Camp, (BLD) 
Day 11
Land Based Camp
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Sleepy Bears
  • Lunch (included)
  • Dinner (included)
Land-Based Expedition Camp, (BLD) 
Day 12
Land Based Camp
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Standing on Hind Legs
  • Lunch (included)
  • Dinner (included)
Land-Based Expedition Camp, (BLD) 
Day 13
Land Based Camp
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Kings of the Arctic
  • Lunch (included)
  • Dinner (included)
Land-Based Expedition Camp, (BLD) 
Day 14
Land Based Camp
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Growing Bear Cubs
  • Lunch (included)
  • Dinner (included)
Land-Based Expedition Camp, (BLD) 
Day 15
Pond Inlet
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Pack Up and Head Back
  • Lunch (included)
  • Dinner (included)
Sauniq Hotel  (B,L,D)
Day 16
Ottawa
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Check-Out & Depart
  • Flight from Pond Inlet to Ottawa (Not Included)
Fairmont Chateau Laurier (4*) 
Day 17
Ottawa
  • Ottawa: Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
Depart (Int`l Airport) 
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive

Trip Options
All of our itineraries may be customized as you wish, add extra days, change a hotel, see different sights. Contact one of our expert consultants for your free, no-obligation vacation plan.

Itinerary

Day 1 Ottawa

Ottawa is the capital of Canada, located on the banks of the Ottawa River, on the border between Ontario and Quebec. Ottawa is home to a wealth of national museums, official residences, government buildings, memorials and heritage structures. Major attractions include: Parliament Hill, the National Library and Archives, the National Gallery as well as the Museums of Civilization, Contemporary Photography, Nature, Science & Technology, and War. Byward Market is the centre of the city's nightlife, and restaurants.

Take an airport transfer in Ottawa in a luxury vehicle with a professional driver.

Fairmont Château Laurier (4*) is a reflection of the confidence, dignity and style of Ottawa. It stands as a testament to this dynamic and thriving city. Located in the heart of Canada's capital next door to the Parliament Buildings, the hotel is a magnificent limestone edifice with turrets and masonry reminiscent of a French château. The Rideau Canal offers miles of bicycle and inline skating paths and the world's longest skating rink just outside the door. The nearby Gatineau Hills offer great hiking, biking and canoeing, and in the winter, cross-country ski trails and excellent downhill thrills. With Winterlude, the Tulip Festival and countless other festivals, Ottawa is a flurry of activity year round. Once the wealth of sights has been taken in, drop by the Health Club or satisfy your appetite at one of the superb restaurants.

Overnight at Fairmont Chateau Laurier (4*).


Ottawa
Ottawa
Fairmont Château Laurier Hotel
Fairmont Château Laurier Hotel
Day 2 Ottawa

After being picked up from your hotel, you will be brought to Parliament buildings for a private guided visit of the premises. The buildings are a fine example of Neo-Gothic architecture. Before entering the buildings, view the spectacle of the changing of the guards (10am) - a Canadian tradition at its most colorful! After seeing the interior of where state decisions are made, you will be brought to the bussling Byward market where you will get to interact with some of the stall owners. Enjoy wandering around perusing all of the gourmet delights on offer and pick up a few things for lunch or opt to have lunch in one of the many restaurants close by.

Overnight at Fairmont Chateau Laurier (4*).


Changing of the Guard
Changing of the Guard
Day 3 Pond Inlet

Take an airport transfer in Ottawa in a luxury vehicle with a professional driver.

Together with Kensington Tours, world renowned photographer Amos Nachoum’s expeditions take him and a small group of exclusive travelers throughout the world to observe, photograph, and revere the most magnificent creatures on the planet. He has led multiple many high-profile National Geographic expedition teams, including National Geographic’s Red Sea, Great White Shark, and Killer Whale photo expeditions. Amos’s photos and essays have appeared in hundreds of publications around the globe, including National Geographic, Time, Life, The New York Times, and many more.

Under the expert guidance of Amos, learn the secrets to spellbinding wildlife photography, as well as have the chance to interact with some of the most exciting animals on the planet — great white sharks, polar bears, blue whales, sailfish, snow leopards, the sardine run and more — Amos will help you capture their true essence in the most spectacular wildlife photographs you’ll ever take.

Welcome to Pond Inlet, Nunavut!
Upon arrival, we’ll proceed to our Pond Inlet hotel to prepare our gear, cameras, and clothing for the expedition.

Newly built in 2009, the Sauniq Hotel has the most up to date and modern rooms in Pond Inlet featuring over 20 guest rooms with double occupancy. Each room features cable with flat screen televisions and private bath. Complimentary internet access is provided. The dining room features home style meals and offer features area delicacies. You can chat, read or play cribbage in the comfortable sitting room. It is important to note that the hotel, while it is clean and comfortable, is most definitely not luxurious, but is the best quality offering in the area.

Overnight at Sauniq Hotel .


Pond Inlet
Pond Inlet
Amos Nachoum
Amos Nachoum
Sauniq Hotel -exterior
Sauniq Hotel -exterior
Day 4 Land Based Camp

This morning we begin our photo "hunting" program which lasts for the next 11 days. We will be picked up as soon as we finish loading all of our gear on the three snowmobiles. Weather permitting, we’ll head for our first camp, 30–60 miles from the village, out onto an ice floe known for its concentration of polar bear dens.

Take a break from the action and re-fuel with some lunch (included in tour cost).

Your expedition base camp on the land will be out on the sea ice within a safe distance from the floe edge, along the coastline nestled beneath a sheltering cliff, along a flat expanse of pebbly beach, or even close to the foot of a large glacial tongue of ice. Sleeping accommodation will be a specially designed Arctic tent and warm polar-grade sleeping bag for single occupancy. They are comfortable with ample space to keep your gear organized and accessible. Your mobile campsite will have its own chef, providing warm meals throughout the day. Finally, and some would argue most importantly, separate washroom facilities provide a private spot to freshen up with hot water. Please note: you are in a remote environment. Washroom facilities are private, yet basic.

Overnight at Land-Based Expedition Camp, (BLD).


Transporting Gear
Transporting Gear
Day 5 Land Based Camp

We get our gear ready as we will depart the camp site this morning in search of polar bears. Keep your eyes open for bear tracks, as they could lead to a family of bears. This is what we've come for!

Take a break from the action and re-fuel with some lunch (included in tour cost).

Overnight at Land-Based Expedition Camp, (BLD).


Bear Tracks
Bear Tracks
Day 6 Land Based Camp

After breakfast, join our team on the snowmobiles for some more bear tracking. Revel in the magical first moments of a bear cub's entry into this world. After three months of hibernation, the mother is hungry, and seeks out food.

Take a break from the action and re-fuel with some lunch (included in tour cost).

Overnight at Land-Based Expedition Camp, (BLD).


Mother and her Cubs
Mother and her Cubs
Day 7 Land Based Camp

The day will be dedicated to searching for polar bears. Just like other wildlife, polar bears are most active at sunrise and sunset, and sleep during the ‘heat’ of midday (if you can call that heat). Don't forget to layer up.

Take a break from the action and re-fuel with some lunch (included in tour cost).

Overnight at Land-Based Expedition Camp, (BLD).


Dress Warm!
Dress Warm!
Day 8 Land Based Camp

We'll collect our equipment as we make our way toward more key polar bear territory. Perhaps we can snap some photos of a male swimming between patches of ice as it looks for food.

Take a break from the action and re-fuel with some lunch (included in tour cost).

Overnight at Land-Based Expedition Camp, (BLD).


Polar Bear Crossing to New Ice
Polar Bear Crossing to New Ice
Day 9 Land Based Camp

Even though our main goal is to track bears, we do expect to see several different types of wildlife on the expedition, including various whales, and species of seals. Join man's best friend on a dog sled as you travel through the white snow-covered terrain for wonderful photo opportunities of the local wildlife.

Take a break from the action and re-fuel with some lunch (included in tour cost).

Overnight at Land-Based Expedition Camp, (BLD).


Dogsledding to New Grounds
Dogsledding to New Grounds
Day 10 Land Based Camp

As our team ventures out across the snow and ice today, take a moment to appreciate the expert Inuit hunters who have acted as our local guides and support team. Bringing us close to the action, but keeping us out of harm's way.

Take a break from the action and re-fuel with some lunch (included in tour cost).

Overnight at Land-Based Expedition Camp, (BLD).


Inuit Hunters
Inuit Hunters
Day 11 Land Based Camp

After breakfast, we make our way out of the ice floe camp site in search or more bears. Take some photographic tips from team leader Amos, as you may come across some sleeping bears, seemingly posing for the camera.

Take a break from the action and re-fuel with some lunch (included in tour cost).

Overnight at Land-Based Expedition Camp, (BLD).


Sleepy Bear
Sleepy Bear
Day 12 Land Based Camp

Today we'll have another opporunity to catch the powerful polar bear demonstrating its size as it stands up on its hind legs to get a better view of potential sources of food. Don't hesistate with the camera, as the moment may not last!

Take a break from the action and re-fuel with some lunch (included in tour cost).

Overnight at Land-Based Expedition Camp, (BLD).


Polar Bear on Hind Legs
Polar Bear on Hind Legs
Day 13 Land Based Camp

After breakfast, we'll break away from our camp for more encounters with the 'kings of the arctic'. Such large and powerful creatures, they can often look more imposing than cuddly.

Take a break from the action and re-fuel with some lunch (included in tour cost).

Overnight at Land-Based Expedition Camp, (BLD).


King of the Arctic
King of the Arctic
Day 14 Land Based Camp

Enjoy our final day of bear tracking. Look at how quickly some of the cubs are growing! This has been a truly rare and magical experience.

Take a break from the action and re-fuel with some lunch (included in tour cost).

Overnight at Land-Based Expedition Camp, (BLD).


Growing Cubs
Growing Cubs
Day 15 Pond Inlet

We strike our mobile camp, pack our gear, and head back, happy and tired, to civilization. We stay in our Pond Inlet hotel for our last night in the arctic. This is an ideal time to make sure you've got a picture with the expedition team.

Take a break from the action and re-fuel with some lunch (included in tour cost).

Overnight at Sauniq Hotel .


Expedition Team
Expedition Team
Day 16 Ottawa

Ottawa is the capital of Canada, located on the banks of the Ottawa River, on the border between Ontario and Quebec. Ottawa is home to a wealth of national museums, official residences, government buildings, memorials and heritage structures. Major attractions include: Parliament Hill, the National Library and Archives, the National Gallery as well as the Museums of Civilization, Contemporary Photography, Nature, Science & Technology, and War. Byward Market is the centre of the city's nightlife, and restaurants.

Check-out from the hotel and depart Pond Inlet.

Overnight at Fairmont Chateau Laurier (4*).


Day 17 Ottawa

Take an airport transfer in Ottawa in a luxury vehicle with a professional driver.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport).



Trip Includes
Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

Trip Excludes
Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your non-refundable deposit is due immediately on booking (50% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations 90 days or more prior to departure will be subject to loss of deposit. 0-89 days will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation. Note: Although the expedition crew has reported honestly and accurately about their previous sightings and experiences, please be aware that while every expedition launches with full hopes of encountering these wonderful animals in their natural habitat, these are completely wild and untrained animals which are not restricted to a preset schedule. Every step will be taken to bring guests to the ideal intercept points for encounters, however the encounters on any given expedition are subject to natural influences which are out of the control of the crew. With good planning and realistic expectations, the crew maintains belief that this expedition will be an unforgettable experience.